From Blogging to Brand Deals: A Proven Guide to Building a Profitable Content Career with Margo Francois
Listen to the episode here: 👉 https://youtu.be/UXQxlIPDDhQ?feature=shared
In this episode of Silly Little Social, I chat with longtime friend Margo Francois, a journalist-turned-content creator who has built a thriving career in blogging, brand partnerships, and corporate marketing. Margot shares how she turned her passion for storytelling into a monetized blog, what brands look for when hiring influencers, and why blogging is still a powerful tool for creators in 2025.
Whether you’re an aspiring blogger, content creator, or entrepreneur, Margo’s insights on content monetization, brand partnerships, and affiliate marketing will help you navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Inside This Episode, We Discuss:
✅ How Margot started blogging and turned it into a business
✅ The longevity of blogs vs. social media and why blogs still matter
✅ How she monetizes content through affiliate marketing and brand deals
✅ The secret to landing brand partnerships (hint: it’s not about follower count!)
✅ How micro-influencers can compete with bigger creators for sponsorships
✅ Why Pinterest is an underrated powerhouse for content creators
✅ Balancing motherhood, wellness, and a content-driven career
About Margo Francois
Margaret “Margo” Francois-Aiyegbusi is a yoga teacher and wellness expert based in Tampa, FL. After years of working as a health and beauty writer and marketer—featured in publications like Essence, VIBE, Sister 2 Sister, and PopSugar—she launched the award-winning style and beauty blog Beauty & the Beat.
In 2015, Margo began documenting her yoga journey on her blog and social media, driven by a lack of representation in wellness spaces. She became a 200-hour registered yoga teacher in 2017 and, in 2021, rebranded her platform to reflect her life as a working mom, corporate marketer, and wellness entrepreneur. Today, she is dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive wellness experiences through breathwork, yoga, meditation, corporate wellness workshops, DEI trainings, and brand collaborations.
Margo’s Journey: From Journalism to Full-Time Content Creator
Margot’s path into the creator economy started early. She studied journalism at the University of Florida and originally planned to work in print media, but quickly pivoted as digital storytelling took off. She started a fashion and beauty blog, which led to an internship at Essence Magazine and eventually a full-time career in content marketing.
Her deep experience spans freelance content creation, brand partnerships, and corporate marketing, giving her a unique perspective on both sides of the influencer industry—as a creator and a brand strategist.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs & Content Creators
Margo shared invaluable business and content creation lessons, including:
🔥 Own your platform – Social media is fleeting, but a blog is an asset you control that can generate income for years.
🔥 Affiliate marketing = passive income – By using strategic affiliate links, you can earn commissions from content that’s years old.
🔥 Pinterest is a goldmine – It’s not just a social media platform, but a powerful search engine that drives long-term traffic to your content.
🔥 Micro-influencers have power – Brands care about engagement and audience trust more than follower count.
🔥 Content consistency matters – Even if you don’t post every day, a reliable content schedule builds credibility with both audiences and brands.
🔥 Relationships > Transactions – The best brand deals come from building long-term partnerships, not one-off sponsorships.
🔥 Be authentic & strategic – Brands want creators who can naturally integrate products into their lifestyle—not just sell something for a paycheck.
Final Thoughts
Margo’s story proves that content creation is more than just social media—it’s about strategy, longevity, and building assets that work for you. Whether you’re a new content creator or looking to diversify your income, her insights on affiliate marketing, blogging, and brand partnerships offer a roadmap to long-term success in the creator economy.
If you’re looking for actionable strategies to monetize your content and attract brand deals, this episode is a must-listen!
👉 Subscribe on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eA3xDsyx
OR
👉 Find it on your favorite podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/ej_fmNTS
Connect with Margo:
Instagram: @themargofrancois
Pinterest: @themargofrancois
Website: margofrancois.com
💡 Resources
Level up your content game with our:
📧 FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER – Get exclusive content prompts, trend forecasts, and insider tips delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at http://www.showupauthentic.com/sls-sign-up
🎯 AUTHENTIC CREATORS NETWORK – Looking for friends and resources as you grow your creator career? Join our premium community for personalized feedback, weekly virtual meet-ups, and a supportive network of fellow creators at http://www.showupauthentic.com/acn
🚀 AGENCY SERVICES – Looking for professional support to scale your social media presence? Visit http://www.showupauthentic.com to learn how Lindsay’s agency can transform your digital presence and drive real business results.
Whether you’re a seasoned content creator, aspiring influencer, or business owner, Silly Little Social delivers the perfect mix of entertainment, education, and inspiration to help you navigate and thrive in the digital landscape.
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